Independent Degree Program: What is the Independent Degree Program?

The Independent Degree Program (IDP) is a brief-residency, guided independent study program designed to meet the needs of individuals who cannot or do not want to attend regular campus classes. Prospective students need to have completed the equivalent of one year of coursework (24-30 credits) at an accredited college in order to qualify for admission.Students attend a brief residency (a long weekend) in Burlington, Vermont at the beginning of each semester and meet with their advisor, faculty and College support staff. IDP appeals to the adult learner who is returning to school to finish a degree and/or the student who wants to complete his or her BA degree through a progressive college. Self-directed, mature individuals who have clear ideas about how they want to design their course of study find this program exciting and innovative.

Once accepted into the program, students are assigned an advisor who will discuss the development of their major and any other general education goals that are required for graduation. The assigned advisor will remain with the student throughout their program and will help to implement the degree plan each semester. Faculty consultants assist with the development of the degree plan for the major by discussing educational and career goals and recommending course work in the major that reflects and supports those interests. Individual faculty instructors are selected every semester for each learning module (course plan) that is designed.